{"id":4204,"date":"2002-12-04T15:55:28","date_gmt":"2002-12-04T20:55:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4204"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:07:09","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:07:09","slug":"suspicion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4204","title":{"rendered":"Suspicion (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>Adam’s cousin appears out of the blue for a family visit. He and Joe don’t take to one another at all. Is Joe right to be so suspicious?<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0\u00a0 (9,210 words)<\/p>\n

Disclaimer:\u00a0All publicly recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suspicion<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d Joe shouted, in horrified disbelief as he spotted the bloodstained body crumpled on the floor. \u201cNo!\u201d\u00a0 Frozen in the doorway, he looked at the men who stood in the main room of the Ponderosa ranch house. His eyes widened as his gaze fixed on one of them. \u201cYou! Why?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGet him!\u201d the man ordered, and Joe didn\u2019t move as two men grabbed him and twisted his arms painfully up his back. Joe was numb with shock and horror. The man crossed to stand in front of Joe. \u201cNow listen, kid, just keep your mouth shut, and nothing will happen to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Disbelief was chased from Joe\u2019s face by anger. He spat in the man\u2019s face. It was utterly unpremeditated, and as much of a surprise to Joe as it was a shock to the man. He watched as the man wiped the spittle from his face with a bandanna. In a swift movement, he backhanded Joe across the mouth, hard. He turned away, anger in every line of his body.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou won\u2019t get away with this!\u201d Joe shouted, rashly. \u201cI swear I\u2019ll make you pay!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShut him up,\u201d said the man, quietly, and a gun butt sledged down on Joe\u2019s head. He slid to the floor unconscious.<\/p>\n

***********<\/p>\n

Easing himself into a hot bath, Joe sank back with a sigh. All week, he had been working on breaking broncos, and he was finally finished. The army would come and get the horses at the start of the week, and Joe would be glad to see the back of them. At least for a while. He knew it wouldn\u2019t be long before he was looking for a new challenge with horses. He was bone tired, and rested his head against the back of the tub. Ben had recently bought a new tub, and it was longer and deeper than the old one. With a luxuriant sigh, Joe stretched, feeling the warmth of the water easing away his aches and pains.<\/p>\n

Gradually, Joe\u2019s eyes closed, entirely of their own volition. The water was warm and deep, and Joe slid a little further down, until he was balanced precariously on the very edge of the tub. Only his head was above the water. Joe slid deeper into sleep.<\/p>\n

A shout and a hard hand grasping his arm in a bruising grip roused him from his slumber. Disoriented, he gasped as a splash of water hit him in the face. Opening his eyes, he gaped in surprise at Hoss, who still held tightly to his arm. \u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d he spluttered.<\/p>\n

\u201cSavin\u2019 you from drownin\u2019 by the looks o\u2019 it!\u201d Hoss retorted, letting go as he saw Joe was wide-awake again. \u201cDadburnit, Joe, you was plumb near under the water! What was you thinkin\u2019 of, goin\u2019 to sleep in the tub?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t mean to!\u201d Joe protested. \u201cI just leaned back for a moment.\u201d He shook his head. \u201cI must\u2019ve just dozed off.\u201d He looked up at Hoss. \u201cThanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, supper\u2019s awaitin\u2019,\u201d Hoss said, handing Joe a towel. \u201cI\u2019m starvin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s new?\u201d Joe commented, as he climbed out of the tub and wound the towel around his narrow hips. \u201cGo on, I\u2019ll be there in a minute.\u201d He began to towel himself vigorously, humming under his breath. Hoss watched for a moment, shaking his head. He was more upset by Joe\u2019s brush with death than Joe was. \u201cI can manage,\u201d Joe said, without turning round, and Hoss grinned and left.<\/p>\n

Supper was indeed waiting, as Hoss had said, and Joe slid into his seat with an apologetic grin to his father. \u201cSorry,\u201d he said. \u201cI fell asleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo I heard,\u201d Ben replied, not admitting that he had been concerned when he heard that. He wondered if Joe was overdoing things, or not eating enough, or coming down with something. Worrying about his trouble-prone youngest was a hard habit to break. However, as the meal progressed, and Joe\u2019s natural high spirits were in evidence, he relaxed.<\/p>\n

They settled in for a quiet evening in front of the fire. Joe and Hoss were soon playing checkers, with Joe cheating as usual, and Hoss losing, as usual. Adam was fathoms deep in a book, and Ben read the local paper. The knock on the door came as a surprise to them all. Everyone looked at the door, then looked at Joe. He looked round at the expectant faces, and grimaced. \u201cI\u2019ll get it, shall I?\u201d he asked, and went to answer it.<\/p>\n

A dark haired young man stood on the porch. He reminded Joe of someone, but he couldn\u2019t think who. \u201cI\u2019m looking for Mr Adam Cartwright?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Glancing back over his shoulder, Joe saw that Adam was already on his feet, and with a shock realised that the young man on the doorstep looked a little like Adam. He had similar colouring and build. \u201cI\u2019m Adam Cartwright. What can I do for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling, the man held out his hand. \u201cMy name is David Hardy. I\u2019m your cousin.\u201d<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

Seated in front of the fire, David smiled at the Cartwrights. \u201cMy mother and yours were first cousins,\u201d he said. \u201cI believe they closely resembled each other, and I\u2019ve often heard that I look like you, Adam. I suppose we do, a little. Mother died a few years ago, and father earlier this year. He left me some money, so I thought I\u2019d have a look round this great country of ours, and visit a few relations before I settle down somewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry to hear about your parents,\u201d Ben said, and Joe remembered that he had known them, a long time ago. \u201cBut we\u2019re pleased that you came. You must stay for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d David said, and still that smile was in place. \u201cI\u2019d like that very much. I\u2019d like to get to know you all.\u201d He glanced at Hoss and Joe, to include them. Joe wasn\u2019t overly impressed, but figured that David was meeting them all for the first time, and it was bound to be awkward. He made an effort to smile back. A yawn shook him, and he rose to his feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, but I really must go to bed. I\u2019m exhausted. Good night, everyone.\u201d He smiled at them, reserving an especially warm smile for Ben. \u201cGood night, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNight, son,\u201d Ben replied, and watched Joe walk wearily upstairs. Once Joe was out of sight, he looked back at David and said, \u201cI\u2019ll show you to your room, David.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Sir,\u201d David replied. \u201cIt has been a long day.\u201d<\/p>\n

When Ben came back down stairs, he saw that Adam was waiting for him, as he expected. He sat down close by his eldest son, and waited to hear his thoughts. \u201cDo you remember David?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I don\u2019t,\u201d Ben responded. \u201cBut I do remember Dorothy, your mother\u2019s cousin. Her mother, your grandmother, and Dorothy\u2019s mother were sisters, and your mother and Dorothy were very alike. David certainly resembles Dorothy, and you, a little. There\u2019s a look of his father about him, too.\u201d Ben frowned as he said it, and Adam was quick to pick it up.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t like David\u2019s father?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I wouldn\u2019t say that,\u201d Ben replied slowly. \u201cNo, it was more what David said about inheriting money. David\u2019s father, Frank, was a fine fellow, but he spent money like water! He was always in debt. Oh, nothing too bad, but he lived from day to day, never planned for the future. I\u2019m surprised that he had anything to leave, but people can change.\u201d Ben shrugged. \u201cSo what do you think, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, yet,\u201d Adam replied, cautious as usual. \u201cIts too soon to tell. He\u2019s seems likeable enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, let\u2019s get to bed and see what the morning brings,\u201d suggested Ben, and father and son rose together.<\/p>\n

************<\/p>\n

There was no sign of David when the brothers left the house the next day. Ben had paperwork to do. Adam was going to town to collect supplies and return David\u2019s hired horse. Hoss and Joe were going out to check on the grazing for the herd. So it was lunchtime before they saw David again.<\/p>\n

Shortly after lunch, two cowboys drifted into the yard, and asked for work. They looked dirty and travel worn, and spoke roughly, but they appeared to know what they were talking about, and Ben hired them. They were shown to the bunkhouse, and told to clean up, and then go with Joe out to the herd, which was being rounded up prior to moving to new grazing.<\/p>\n

It seemed to Joe that they took an inordinate amount of time to clean up, and he spent some of it chatting to David. Joe thought that David was a few years older than him, somewhere between Adam and Hoss in age, but David sidestepped any personal questions. Joe\u2019s motivation had been honest curiosity, and he\u2019d made no secret of the fact, but David made it quite clear that Joe was not his cousin, first, second or otherwise, and David had no interest in him. With a pleasant nod, he dismissed Joe and walked away, leaving the youngest Cartwright wrestling with amusement and annoyance.<\/p>\n

So it didn\u2019t help when he and the new men got out to the herd, and Joe said, \u201cYou men start with the main herd, until you get to know your way around a bit. Charlie is the foreman; he\u2019s on that roan. He\u2019ll keep you right. You take your orders from him, myself, my brothers or my Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t takin\u2019 no orders from a kid,\u201d Dickinson said.<\/p>\n

Giving the man a cool look, Joe saw immediately how things stood. These were drifters who had to challenge authority, and they had picked on Joe because he was the youngest, and younger than they were. \u201cWell, your choice is do what I say, or get out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh!\u201d Dickinson grunted, and spat on the ground. He continued to look insolently at Joe, who was getting angrier by the minute.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou heard your choice,\u201d he said, holding tight to his temper. \u201cNow get to work or leave!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMake me!\u201d Dickinson said, and Joe saw red! He jumped down from Cochise and yanked Dickinson from his horse. The cowboy looked surprised, but quickly scrambled to his feet. Joe cast a swift glance at his friend Brown, and saw there would be no help or trouble from him. Not allowing Dickinson time to think, Joe threw the first punch.<\/p>\n

It was a fight that Joe knew he had to win. He used his lighter weight and greater agility to try and tire the other man, but he still took a beating. Back and forth they fought, punching and counter punching, falling and getting up again. But eventually, Joe stood over Dickinson, and saw that the other man had had enough. It was none too soon, either, as Joe was all but spent. He bent over and yanked Dickinson to his feet. \u201cNow you got a choice,\u201d Joe grated. \u201cWork as I said, or get out!\u201d<\/p>\n

Glaring at Joe, Dickinson mounted up and he and Brown rode over to the herd. Joe watched them go, knowing that it had had to be done, but also knowing that he\u2019d made a bad enemy there. Wearily, he caught Cochise, and led him over to the river, and knelt by it to wash the blood off his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d said a familiar voice from behind him. \u201cAre you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine, Adam,\u201d Joe said, rising stiffly to look at his brother. The cut over his left eye still bled sluggishly, and Joe wasn\u2019t sure how good a job he had done of washing away the rest of the blood. His face was lumpy with bruising, and his left eye was rapidly swelling shut. \u201cJust that new man, Dickinson, not able to take orders from a kid. Don\u2019t worry, its sorted.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wordlessly, Adam swung down from Sport, and took the bandanna from Joe, and soaked it again. Joe took a step back, but Adam was having no nonsense. \u201cYou can\u2019t go home with blood all over your face,\u201d he said, matter-of-factly. \u201cSo stand still while I clean you up, then you can go off home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not going home,\u201d Joe protested. \u201cI\u2019m fine, Adam, honestly. Besides, if the men see me going off home, they\u2019ll never respect me!\u201d<\/p>\n

Admiring his handiwork, Adam made a face. \u201cI guess that\u2019ll do,\u201d he said. \u201cWell, its up to you, Joe. As you keep saying, you\u2019re old enough to make your own decisions. But promise me one thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d Joe asked, wishing Adam would leave him alone.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you feel any worse, go home?\u201d He hooked Joe with his older brother look, and Joe reluctantly nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, okay. But I\u2019m fine, really.\u201d Joe took back the wet bandanna, and stuffed it into one of his saddlebags. He mounted Cochise with his neat sideways leap, and produced a smile. \u201cSee you at supper,\u201d he grinned, and left.<\/p>\n

Shaking his head, Adam remounted and rode off. He made a mental note to keep a closer eye than usual on the two new cowboys. Joe had had authority problems before, and a fight usually solved them. But this time, Adam wasn\u2019t sure that it would work. He looked around for Hoss, spotted him, and went across to tell him about Joe\u2019s little escapade.<\/p>\n

*************<\/p>\n

Much to Adam\u2019s mingled admiration and disgust, Joe stuck out the whole afternoon. Dickinson was sent back to the bunkhouse at one point, and Joe could have given in then and gone back, but he didn\u2019t. Brown was still watching him, and he carried on as though nothing was wrong. But it cost him. By the time he, Adam and Hoss arrived back at the ranch, Joe could barely dismount.<\/p>\n

Leaning heavily on Cochise, Joe waited for a moment to feel his strength return. He knew he had to tend to his horse, and do some chores, but the thought of taking off the heavy saddle, never mind swing an axe to chop wood, was almost too much for him. Straightening stiffly, he felt a hand on his arm, and looked round into Adam\u2019s concerned face. \u201cGo inside,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ll see to your pony. Hoss said he\u2019d do your chores.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine, Adam,\u201d Joe protested, but he knew he wasn\u2019t up to doing them. He tried to make his point by walking into the barn, but he stumbled, and almost fell. Adam caught his arm, and gently disentangled Cochise\u2019s rein from Joe\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo on,\u201d he said, in that rough, brotherly way, which covered his feelings.<\/p>\n

With a weary smile, Joe made his way across to the house, and let himself in quietly. Ben wasn\u2019t in the big room, and Joe eased himself out of his jacket and holster, and put them down, quietly. He was half way to the stairs when he heard Ben\u2019s voice behind him. \u201cJoseph? What\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

Turning, Joe gave his father a half smile, but he knew the effect was spoiled by the bruises and the black eye. \u201cI just had a bit of a fight, Pa, but I\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSit down, son,\u201d Ben said, steering Joe towards the settee. He took Joe\u2019s chin in his hand, gently turning his son\u2019s head to see the extent of the injuries. \u201cWould this have anything to do with our new hand?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Sighing, Joe told the story. When he was finished, Ben went to get a wet cloth and some water, and gently bathed the scrapes again. While he was doing that, David came into the room. He gave Joe the once over, and smirked. \u201cYou lost then?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

At once, Joe\u2019s temper flared. His fists clenched, and if it hadn\u2019t been for Ben\u2019s presence, Joe would almost certainly have punched David. As it was, Ben gave him a hard look, and Joe subsided. \u201cI won,\u201d he said, shortly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I saw the state Dickinson was in,\u201d Ben said, and Joe, still watching David, saw an odd look cross his face. \u201cHe\u2019s like you, stiff and sore, but he at least had the good sense to come back and rest up.\u201d Ben prodded Joe\u2019s ribs, and was rewarded with a sharp intake of breath.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t think there are any broken, but they need to be seen to. You go and get changed, and I\u2019ll be up in a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Pa,\u201d Joe began, his gaze dragged away from David.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Ben interrupted wryly. \u201cYou\u2019re fine. Well, you\u2019ll be even better when I\u2019ve taped up those ribs of yours! Now, don\u2019t argue with me young man! Surely you should know by now it\u2019s a waste of time.\u201d Ben helped Joe to his feet, and ruffled his curls. Joe grinned.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne day, you\u2019ll believe me,\u201d he said. He walked stiffly to the stairs. Ben watched him until he was sure Joe was steady on his feet, then went to fetch the bandages. David followed him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t mean to be nosy, Mr Cartwright, but what did Little Joe mean when he said that one day you\u2019d believe him?\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling, Ben said, \u201cWell, David, Joe always tells you he\u2019s fine, even when its patently obvious that he\u2019d not. He hates doctors, and he hates being confined to bed. So when anything happens to him, he backs off from fussing.\u201d Ben gave David a rueful look. \u201cBut a father can\u2019t help worrying, and Joe gets into so many scrapes. Besides, he\u2019s the youngest, and old habits die hard. I can\u2019t help but fuss over any of the boys when they aren\u2019t well. I suppose its because I\u2019ve had to raise them myself, with no one to share the burdens and joys with. You\u2019ll find out when you\u2019re a father yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose,\u201d David said, in tones of disbelief. Ben hid a smile, and busied himself with the bandages.<\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

Supper was a talkative meal. David and Adam exchanged news of various relations, with Ben throwing in the odd question. Hoss listened while he ate, laughing at some of the tales that were told. Joe pushed the food around his plate, eating a little to please Ben, and smiling at the stories. He ached all over and felt he couldn\u2019t go a single round with a kitten! His eagerness to prove his manhood left him facing several uncomfortable days. They gathered round the fire for coffee, but it wasn\u2019t long before Joe began to nod, and excused himself from the company.<\/p>\n

As he slowly undressed, Joe found himself wondering about David. He was charm personified to Ben and Adam, but had made it clear to Hoss and Joe that they weren\u2019t worth considering. Hoss was so easy going that he hadn\u2019t complained. But Joe knew that David considered him a nuisance. Adam and Ben were the ones who mattered here, not Adam\u2019s brothers. Briefly, Joe wondered if he was jealous, but decided he wasn\u2019t. He just didn\u2019t like David, that was all. That odd look he\u2019d surprised on his face before supper made Joe wonder what David was hiding.<\/p>\n

Easing slowly into bed, Joe thought about Dickinson and Brown. He had an uneasy intuition that the trouble between him and them was not over. Dickinson would not forget being beaten in the fight, and if there was ever another fight, Joe had better watch out. Shivering slightly, Joe drew the covers up round his neck and tried to find a painless spot to lie on. There didn\u2019t seem to be one, but after a while, he slept anyway.<\/p>\n

*************<\/p>\n

\u201cWake up, Joe. Joe! Wake up!\u201d The persistent voice wouldn\u2019t go away, and Joe blearily opened his eyes, and saw Hoss looming over him. \u201cCome on, Shortshanks, rise and shine. Sun\u2019s up, and it\u2019s a beautiful day.\u201d<\/p>\n

With a fearsome groan, Joe made the effort to sit up. He failed. \u201cGo \u2018way,\u201d he muttered, and closed his eyes again. But the movement had awakened his aches and pains, and he knew that sleep wouldn\u2019t come again easily.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Joe,\u201d Hoss urged, and for good measure, flipped Joe over to his back, quite forgetting Joe\u2019s adventure the previous afternoon.<\/p>\n

\u201cOw!\u201d Joe yelped, clutching at his injured ribs. \u201cGet off, you big lump! Leave me alone!\u201d He gritted his teeth against the pain, and glared at his older brother balefully.<\/p>\n

Instantly, remorse was written all over Hoss\u2019 face. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Shortshanks,\u201d he said. \u201cI plumb forgot you were all beat up like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, okay, fine, now go away and leave me alone,\u201d Joe snapped, and eased himself back down onto the bed. He closed his eyes, and heard Hoss leave.<\/p>\n

A few minutes later, Ben appeared, and by then, Joe was sitting on the edge of the bed. He lifted a rueful face to his father. \u201cI didn\u2019t mean to snap at Hoss,\u201d he apologised.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe didn\u2019t mean to hurt you,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cSo honours are about even. Joe, I think you should stay at home today, and take it easy. Give those bruises some time to heal. David is here, he\u2019ll be company for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Joe agreed, but his was an easy face to read.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Ben asked. \u201cHave you and David fallen out?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Pa, honest. It\u2019s just that he\u2019s made it quite clear that he wants nothing to do with me. He\u2019s not too keen on Hoss, either,\u201d he added. \u201cWe\u2019re just not important enough, or educated enough or\u00a0something\u00a0<\/em>enough for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d Ben said. \u201cWell, still, I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll be glad of a little company today.\u201d<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

Looking over at Ben, Hoss said, \u201cIs he all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course he is, son,\u201d Ben said, slapping Hoss on the shoulder. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you go and give him a hand? Then you can both apologise to each other.\u201d As Hoss went upstairs, Ben said, \u201cI\u2019m going to have a quick word with Charlie, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Still seated at the breakfast table, David and Adam exchanged looks. \u201cCan I ask you something?\u201d David said.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Adam responded. \u201cWhat it is?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs your Pa always like this with you boys? I don\u2019t remember my folks fussing over me this way. Look at the way he was with Joe last night. And this morning. Do he do the same to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling Adam said, \u201cOnly when he gets the chance. But yes, Pa is always like this. He worries about us. I guess I never gave it much thought. You say your folks weren\u2019t like that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Father was too busy working, and Mama was quite quiet and withdrawn. She was sick a lot when I was a child, and she seemed sad. I had the nanny to look after me, and I guess she fussed over me, but I don\u2019t remember my parents doing it.\u201d David looked sad for a moment. \u201cI think Mama wanted a lot of children, but she didn\u2019t have any more.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reading between the lines, Adam realised that David\u2019s mother had been sick from having miscarriages, or stillbirths. He felt a surge of sympathy for his cousin. \u201cWell,\u201d he said, \u201cstay here long enough, and Pa will start fussing over you, given half a chance.\u201d<\/p>\n

David looked so horrified at the notion, that Adam couldn\u2019t help laughing. \u201cIts not that bad,\u201d he assured him. \u201cYou might even get to like it!\u201d<\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

It was a long day for both David and Joe. With Joe laid up, Ben spent a good part of the day out with the men. Joe struggled with the books for a while, but it wasn\u2019t his favourite chore, and he was quite glad to do just the few things his father had asked him to. There after, Joe read a dime novel, and David wrote some letters. As the afternoon wore on, Joe offered to play checkers with David, who scornfully turned him down. \u201cI\u2019m sure I can find something to occupy myself with, Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFine,\u201d Joe replied, shortly. \u201cAnd its just Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe rest of the family call you Little Joe,\u201d David said. \u201cI thought it would make me fit in better.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs you\u2019ve been at pains to point out,\u201d Joe shot back, \u201c you\u2019re not my family.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thank God for it every night,\u201d David said. \u201cYou\u2019re uncouth, and next door to illiterate. You\u2019ve had no education to speak of, and you don\u2019t aspire to be anything more than a glorified ranch hand. You\u2019re right, I\u2019m delighted that you aren\u2019t my family.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t hold back,\u201d Joe said, dryly. \u201cTell me what you really feel. Let\u2019s be honest here, David. I don\u2019t like you any better than you like me. But this is my home, not yours. You\u2019ve got your money, and you\u2019ll move on to someplace else. So let\u2019s agree to dislike one another, and we\u2019ll get along fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing, little boy,\u201d David said, scathingly. \u201cAnd if I don\u2019t agree, you\u2019ll run to daddy and tell him that cousin David\u2019s being nasty to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

For a moment, Joe was so furious, he couldn\u2019t speak. When he regained the power of speech, he had his temper under as tight a rein as he could manage. \u201cLet me give you some advice,\u00a0cousin<\/em>\u00a0David,\u201d he said. \u201cIts better that people only think you\u2019re an idiot, than you open your mouth and confirm it!\u201d<\/p>\n

With that parting shot, Joe went upstairs.<\/p>\n

*************<\/p>\n

It was obvious to all the Cartwrights that Joe and David had not enjoyed each other\u2019s company that day. Neither of them said anything, but the strain could be felt as they all sat down to supper. So it was no surprise next morning when Joe said he was fit enough to go back to work. Ben tried to persuade him otherwise, but Joe couldn\u2019t bear the thought of one more day in David\u2019s company.<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, Joe was still feeling sore, and it took him a little longer than usual to tack Cochise. As he led the gelding towards the door to the yard, he heard David\u2019s voice outside, and slowed slightly. \u201cWell, any signs?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNah, we\u2019ve lost \u2018em, Davie,\u201d replied another voice, which seemed familiar. \u201cWe can stick it out here for a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRemember what I said,\u201d David went on. \u201cLay off the kid! The way they all dote on him, I don\u2019t want them becoming suspicious and throwing you out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Thoroughly intrigued, Joe pushed open the barn door and stepped out. David was talking to Dickinson and Brown. \u201cWell, well,\u201d he said. \u201cI hadn\u2019t realised you were so concerned for my welfare,\u00a0cousin<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a moment, David was non-plussed, then he summoned a laugh. \u201cAfter the exhibition I saw yesterday,\u00a0cousin<\/em>, I thought it wouldn\u2019t do any harm to have a chat with the new hands.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally,\u201d Joe replied, in tones of total disbelief. \u201cWho have you lost, Dickinson? It wouldn\u2019t be the law, would it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat business is it of yours, kid?\u201d snarled the man.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re wanted for something, it is our business,\u201d Joe returned evenly. \u201cAnd I suggest you mind your manners, mister. I don\u2019t mind you calling me Joe, but you don\u2019t call me kid!\u201d<\/p>\n

Intercepting a sharp look from David, Dickinson backed down. \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d he said, grudgingly. \u201cI meant we\u2019d lost some guys we was travelling with a few weeks back. They was trouble. I was just joking with Mr Hardy here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nodding, Joe said nothing. He didn\u2019t believe a single word they said, but he had no proof of anything else. He would have to wait until he next went to town, to see if he could find out anything about these guys. He exchanged a cold look with David. \u201cGet to work, then,\u201d he suggested. He waited for them to mount up and leave before he looked back at David. \u201cIt was interesting to see the kind of men who are good enough for you, David. Very interesting.\u201d He nodded. \u201cI won\u2019t forget, you can be sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a moment, Joe thought David was going to lash out at him, but the moment passed. He told Joe to get lost in terms that Pa would not have approved of, had he heard.\u00a0 Joe smiled cheerfully. \u201cYup, you surely have found your level,\u201d he commented, as he mounted and rode away.<\/p>\n

**************<\/p>\n

Several days passed before Joe had any time to think about going into town. They were busy, moving the herd from one pasture to another, and finding the inevitable strays. Adam was spending quite a bit of time at the ranch, entertaining David, as well as keeping on top of the books. Joe took care never to be alone with either of the new hands, or with David.<\/p>\n

So when Ben said they could go into town on Saturday afternoon, Joe surprised his brothers by not heading straight for the saloon. He refused to be drawn on where he was going, because he felt he couldn\u2019t tell Adam he was going to ask the sheriff to look into the background of Adam\u2019s cousin. His evasive answers provoked Adam and Hoss into a spate of teasing about the \u2018new love\u2019 in Joe\u2019s life, and the swift flush of shame only lent credence to their idea.<\/p>\n

The last person Roy Coffee expected to find in his jail that afternoon was Joe Cartwright. \u201cWhat can I do of you, Joe? Seems to me you\u2019re here a might early, ain\u2019t ya? You can\u2019t hardly have had time to break anything, or get into a fight.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling at Roy\u2019s kidding, Joe said, \u201cNo, Roy, I don\u2019t aim to spend any more time here than I need to. No, I wanted to ask if you\u2019d do some checking on a couple of men for me.\u201d He gave descriptions of Brown, Dickinson and David. \u201cAnd I\u2019d appreciate it if you wouldn\u2019t mention this to the rest of the family, Roy. You see, the last one I mentioned is Adam\u2019s cousin.\u201d<\/p>\n

Putting down his pen, Roy gave Joe a long look. \u201cSo what\u2019s it about, Little Joe? Why are you checking up on him?\u201d<\/p>\n

Making a frustrated gesture, Joe told the story of what he had overheard. \u201cI\u2019m hoping its nothing, Roy, but I\u2019ve just got a feeling that there\u2019s something going on there. David gave us the impression that he\u2019s travelling alone, but he sure knew them better than you\u2019d expect after just a couple of days.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, I\u2019ll check on them and see what I can find. Are you going to be in town all evening?\u201d At Joe\u2019s confirming nod, Roy said, \u201cI\u2019ll let you know if I hear anything today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Roy,\u201d Joe said, gratefully, and went to rejoin his brothers.<\/p>\n

Entering the Bucket Of Blood, Joe saw that David, Dickinson and Brown had all appeared. He hesitated briefly, wondering if he should go to one of the other saloons, but Hoss saw him in the doorway, and hailed him. \u201cHey, little brother, come and join us!\u201d Pulling a face, Joe went over and sat down.<\/p>\n

\u201cLess of the \u2018little\u2019, okay?\u201d he said. \u201cOr I\u2019ll start calling you gigantic brother!\u201d<\/p>\n

Typically, Hoss laughed. \u201cI\u2019m a growin\u2019 boy!\u201d he declared. He slapped Joe heavily on the shoulder. Joe winced. \u201cAnd you\u2019re plumb puny!\u201d<\/p>\n

That set the tone for the rest of the day for Hoss. He was in an expansive mood, and became quite merry, for Hoss. Adam spoke to David, and Joe sat and looked gloomily into his beer. As the evening wore on, Joe noticed Dickinson and Brown talking to quite a few new cowboys. There were always new men in the area; cowboys were notorious drifters. But it seemed odd to Joe that all the new guys should suddenly be together all at the one time. Usually, new cowboys stuck with the few men they knew, and it took several weeks for them to build outside friendships. He was even more suspicious when he saw David exchange a smile with one of them.<\/p>\n

***********<\/p>\n

There had been no sign of Roy by the end of the evening, and when Joe saw him during the week, he had discovered nothing at all. \u201cI\u2019ll keep looking, Joe,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m waiting for a few replies to come back.\u201d Joe had to be content with that.<\/p>\n

Still, he was now beginning to suffer a bit of harassment from Dickinson. Once or twice, he had nearly ended up on the wrong side of a mini stampede. Once, he\u2019d mounted Cochise, and discovered that his cinch had been loosened. One day, after digging a cow out of a mud hole, he found his canteen contaminated with earth. They were all petty things, and he couldn\u2019t prove that Dickinson was behind any of them, but he felt the cowboy watching him all the time.<\/p>\n

As was usual with Joe, when anything was bothering him, the whole world knew it. Both Ben and Adam asked him what was wrong, and he\u2019d brushed them off with an unconvincing story of unrequited love, which they had accepted for his sake. When he was ready to talk, he would. Until then, they would just have to watch out for signs of what might be wrong.<\/p>\n

On Friday, Adam and Hoss went to town to get the payroll. It was slightly larger than usual, as Ben was drawing extra money to go and buy some crossbred cattle that he wanted to try on their range. The money would be stored in the house safe until Saturday, when it would be distributed to the hands. It wasn\u2019t often that Ben kept large sums of money in the house, and they were all slightly anxious about it. It was with great relief that Adam and Hoss got safely back to the ranch, and secured the money. Leaving Ben in the house with Hop Sing and David, they went back to the pasture to work.<\/p>\n

Not long after their return, Cochise shed a shoe, and Joe had the unenviable task of walking back to the barn and finding a replacement mount. Hoss assured Joe he would re-shoe the pinto in the morning. Shoeing wasn\u2019t one of Joe\u2019s strong points!<\/p>\n

Wearily, Joe put up his mount in the barn, and trudged across to the house. There were two horses hitched in the yard, and Joe frowned at them wonderingly for a moment, until he remembered that Brown and Dickinson had been sent back for more ropes. He shook his head at the length of time it was taking them to do a simple task, and opened the door of the house.<\/p>\n

He was in no way prepared to see Ben\u2019s bloodstained body lying on the floor. \u201cNo!\u201d he said, hanging onto the door handle. \u201cNo!\u201d Ben\u2019s back was to Joe, and he couldn\u2019t tell if he was still alive or not.\u00a0 Frozen with horror and disbelief, Joe made no move to get away for help. His gaze fell on David, and he saw the gun in his hand. \u201cYou! Why?\u201d<\/p>\n

Moments later, Joe was in the grasp of Dickinson and Brown. They twisted his arms up behind his back, but Joe barely felt the pain. \u201cKeep your mouth shut, kid, and nothing will happen to you,\u201d David said. Joe spat in his face.<\/p>\n

Wiping the spittle from his face with a bandanna, David tried to contain his fury. He backhanded Joe savagely across the mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou won\u2019t get away with this!\u201d Joe shouted, rashly. \u201cI swear I\u2019ll make you pay!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShut him up,\u201d David said, softly, and a gun butt sledged down on Joe\u2019s unprotected head.<\/p>\n

When Joe regained consciousness a short time later, he discovered that his hands were tied behind his back. He moved uneasily, and immediately attracted David\u2019s attention. \u201cGood, he\u2019s awake. We can get out of here. Let\u2019s go.\u201d Joe was dragged to his feet, and he saw that Ben still lay, unmoving, on the floor. A pang of grief shot through his heart.<\/p>\n

Outside, there were several more men on horses, and Joe realised that they were the cowboys that he had seen Dickinson and Brown talking to the previous weekend. \u201cWe\u2019ve got the money,\u201d David said, and Joe belatedly realised that he had stolen the wages, and buying money.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re scum!\u201d he said, without being aware that he\u2019d spoken aloud. Dickinson punched him hard in the stomach.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet him on a horse,\u201d David ordered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are we takin\u2019 him?\u201d Dickinson whined.<\/p>\n

\u201cUse your head,\u201d David said. \u201cHe\u2019ll keep the law away, and when we want rid of him, we\u2019ll get a real good ransom for him. Now do as I say, and get him on a horse!\u201d<\/p>\n

Fighting every step of the way, Joe soon found himself beside Buck. He fought against being lifted onto the horse, until David appeared by his side. \u201cIts simple, Little Joe,\u201d he said, with deadly menace. \u201cYou either get on the horse and sit upright, or you get slung over his back on your belly. The choice is yours, and I don\u2019t care which one you take!\u201d<\/p>\n

Reluctantly, Joe allowed himself to be helped onto Buck\u2019s back. His pride wouldn\u2019t allow him to do it without struggling a little, but he didn\u2019t want to end up on his belly over the saddle. Being on Ben\u2019s horse reminded him again of his father, and he looked back over his shoulder at the house, hoping against hope that Ben would appear. He didn\u2019t. The group of riders moved out of the yard, and Joe blinked furiously to hide his tears from his captors. He needn\u2019t have worried. Most of them simply ignored him.<\/p>\n

They hadn\u2019t gone very far when they heard horses approaching. It was no real surprise to Joe that it was Adam and Hoss. As they drew near, David pushed his way to Joe\u2019s side, and put a gun against his head. He saw Adam and Hoss pull to a stop, their eyes fixed on Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is this?\u201d Adam demanded. \u201cDavid?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you want your brother here to keep on breathing, back off,\u201d David warned. \u201cWe\u2019ll let you know when you can have him back, and how much its gonna cost you!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey shot Pa,\u201d Joe said, and his tone made both brothers flinch; it contained more despair than they had ever heard. Joe heard the desolation in his own voice, but he didn\u2019t care. Ben was dead, and he was going to die too. \u201cGet Roy,\u201d he said, and that was the last thing he knew for a while, as David\u2019s gun hammered down on his head again.<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

They had no choice but to back off and let the gang escape. Adam sat with his fists clenched as they watched them out of sight, noting the direction they took. \u201cLet\u2018s get back to the house,\u201d Adam said. \u201cJoe was right. We need Roy. And we must see what\u2019s happened to Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t think he\u2019s really dead, do you?\u201d Hoss quavered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Adam said, bleakly. He touched his heels to Sport, and they galloped back to the house. Flinging themselves from their horses, they ran into the house. Ben still lay on the floor. Adam knelt by him, and belatedly realised that Ben was looking at him. \u201cPa?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, the money,\u201d Ben gasped.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe know about it,\u201d Adam said. He put a gentle hand on Ben\u2019s shoulder, forcing him to stay still. \u201cDon\u2019t move, Pa. Hoss, find Hop Sing and get the doctor!\u201d With a look, Adam warned Hoss not to mention Joe. Rising, Adam took the Indian blanket from the banister, and tucked it round Ben. His father had been shot in the side, and there was blood everywhere.<\/p>\n

It seemed to take Hoss an inordinate amount of time to fetch the doctor, but soon Paul was there, supervising as they moved Ben to his room, then operating to remove the bullet. He joined Adam, Hoss and Hop Sing downstairs afterwards. The Chinese cook had been knocked out and tied up in the kitchen, but was otherwise unhurt. Paul sat down on the settee. \u201cYour father is asleep,\u201d he began. \u201cThe bullet wasn\u2019t in very deep, and I got it out cleanly. It hadn\u2019t damaged anything, thankfully, but it\u2019ll be several days before he\u2019s going to feel like moving about. He lost quite a bit of blood.\u201d Paul looked round. \u201cOkay, so tell me the story. Where\u2019s Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

Biting his lip, Adam said, \u201cHe\u2019s been taken hostage by my cousin David, who shot Pa and stole our money.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not quite what I was expecting you to say,\u201d Paul admitted, looking pole-axed. \u201cHave you told Roy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Hoss mumbled. \u201cI did afore I came for you, doc.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy hasn\u2019t he been out?\u201d Adam asked, angrily, and almost before he stopped speaking, they heard hooves in the yard.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019ll be him now,\u201d Hoss said, relief in his voice. He rose and crossed to the door, and let Roy in.<\/p>\n

The sheriff looked grim. \u201cAdam, Hoss,\u201d he greeted them. His gaze took in Hop Sing and Paul, too. \u201cWe followed them tracks as far as we could, but we lost them near Snake Creek. It\u2019s too dark to look any further now. If\u2019n you don\u2019t mind, me and the boys will bed down here, ready to get an early start in the morning. How\u2019s Ben?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll be all right,\u201d Adam said. \u201cWe\u2019ll be ready to go at first light, Roy. You\u2019re quite welcome to stay here. But don\u2019t tell Pa anything about Joe, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t be bothering your Pa, son,\u201d Roy said, kindly. \u201cBetter get some rest yourself.\u201d He hesitated, then added, \u201cAdam, I found out that your cousin is wanted for bank robbery in several states, going back several years. I\u2019m sorry to have to tell you this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you know?\u201d Adam asked, his tone simply enquiring.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe asked me to look into those two men your Pa hired. Your cousin\u2019s name was linked with theirs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d Adam said, grimly. \u201cThank you, Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking at Adam, Paul knew that there was little chance of Adam resting properly until Joe was found.<\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

The ground was cold and hard, but Joe barely noticed. He had been dragged from Buck\u2019s back and thrown down beside a tree. His feet had been tightly bound together, and apart from the occasional kick as Dickinson went past, he had been largely ignored. Joe didn\u2019t care. He was sunk deep in the misery of believing his beloved father was dead. He didn\u2019t notice the cold, or the rain, which came in with the darkness, or the hunger pangs in his belly, or his throbbing head. He made no attempt to eat the food offered to him, and he refused to drink. He hardly noticed Dickinson taunting him about being the baby of the family, and it wasn\u2019t until his indifference provoked Dickinson into violence that Joe became aware of his surroundings. As it was, he had no way of protecting himself, and if David hadn\u2019t stepped in after a few minutes, Joe might not have survived the beating. When Dickinson was hauled away, Joe was bleeding from the mouth and head, and groaning from the pain in his mid-riff.<\/p>\n

A splash of water in his face made him choke, and he looked up into his captor\u2019s face. A burst of intense hatred seized Joe, and he fought his bonds for the first time. It got him nowhere. The ropes were too well tied to allow him to escape. \u201cI\u2019ll get you for this,\u201d he vowed, through split, bleeding lips.<\/p>\n

Far from being dismayed by this, David seemed amused. \u201cThose knocks on the head must have shaken loose the few brain cells you had,\u00a0cousin<\/em>,\u201d he sneered. \u201cI\u2019m waiting with baited breath to see how you do it.\u201d He laughed. \u201cJoe, I\u2019ve outwitted every lawman in the land for the last 5 years. I hardly think an old man like the sheriff of Virginia City is going to be the one to catch me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll have my brothers helping him,\u201d Joe said, in a low voice. \u201cThey won\u2019t rest until they\u2019ve found me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d David said, scathingly. \u201cBut they have your precious Pa to worry about. Is he still alive? Will they come looking for you if he might die at any minute? I hardly think so! But even if they do, your precious brothers won\u2019t risk your life. I\u2019ll take you apart piece by piece if I need to, Joe. Anything that keeps them at bay works for me. Good night.\u201d He rose unhurriedly and walked away.<\/p>\n

************<\/p>\n

By the time dawn broke, Joe hadn\u2019t slept at all. He wasn\u2019t offered any food or water, but he didn\u2019t care. He felt lousy, with his head still throbbing, and his ribs sore. Once more, he was hoisted onto Buck\u2019s back, and they rode off, along Snake Creek. Near noon, they stopped to rest, and Joe\u2019s feet were once more tightly tied. He managed to doze as the gang ate their cold midday meal, and he was kicked awake when they were ready to move on.<\/p>\n

From there on, the going became rougher, and their pace was slowed to a walk. Joe found it harder to stay in the saddle, as Buck slipped and slid along the rocky, uneven, ground. Brown, who was leading Buck, suddenly let out a shout, as his horse slid on a patch of loose shale. Buck shied and stumbled, and Joe found himself crashing to the ground. It was pandemonium, as the horses were infected by the panic of Buck and Brown\u2019s horse. But gradually, the outlaws got the horses back under control, and everyone came to a halt.<\/p>\n

Brown\u2019s horse was lame. Not just a little, but hopping lame. Joe, looking at the injured animal\u2019s leg, thought that it had broken its pastern, and he turned concerned eyes on Buck. However, the buckskin gelding was sound. Sure enough, as Dickinson dragged Joe to his feet, David unshipped his gun and put the horse out of its misery. The shot echoed back along the hills, and Joe felt a surge of satisfaction. Sound carried for miles in the mountains, and David had just raised a large flag saying \u2018we are here.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t walkin\u2019,\u201d Brown protested. \u201cNot while nancy-boy there rides!\u201d<\/p>\n

For a minute, Joe thought there would be a major falling out among thieves. David looked angry, and glared at Joe as though the whole situation was his fault. But he finally gave in to Brown, and said, \u201cAll right, you ride the buckskin. Tie a rope round his middle and bring him along. And hurry up about it. We\u2019ve lost enough time as it is!\u201d<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t quite as simple as David wanted it to be, though. In the end, Joe\u2019s hands were retied in front of him, and the rope tied to Buck\u2019s saddle horn. Joe had been amused by the time it had taken them to get organised, but his amusement faded rapidly as he stumbled along behind the horse. The footing was treacherous for man as well as beast, and he fell many times. Sweat ran into his eyes, but he couldn\u2019t wipe it away. His headache, which had eased slightly, returned in full force, and the lack of food, and more importantly water, took its toll. After about an hour, Joe collapsed and couldn\u2019t get back up.<\/p>\n

He lay there, gasping, his vision dark round the edges, and splintering into myriad patterns in the bright sun. There was a roaring sound in his ears, and he thought he would never move again. Water was poured on his head, and for a moment, he felt better. But then a boot crashed into his ribs, and Joe lost his tenuous grip on consciousness.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow look what you\u2019ve done!\u201d David snapped. \u201cHe\u2019ll have to ride double with someone. This is taking forever, and I wanted to be gone from here before nightfall!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t we just dump him?\u201d Brown demanded. \u201cHe\u2019s been nothing but a pest from the start!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s worth a lot of cash,\u201d David said, coldly. \u201cDo you want to turn down easy money?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt ain\u2019t that easy when we\u2019ve got to drag him with us everywhere,\u201d Dickinson chimed in. \u201cAnd havin\u2019 him ride double will slow us down, too!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m still in charge here,\u201d David said, his voice dangerous. \u201cUnless either of you want to take over?\u201d<\/p>\n

The threat was clear, and neither Brown nor Dickinson was willing to face down David\u2019s wrath. \u201cNo,\u201d Brown said, sulkily. \u201cBut he will slow us down. He already has. That\u2019s all we was sayin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think that\u2019s just become a moot point,\u201d said a cold voice from the trees, and David, whirled, reaching for his gun, for he recognised the voice as Adam\u2019s. A shot whistled past his shoulder. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t,\u201d Adam advised.<\/p>\n

From all round, men appeared, their guns aimed on the gang. David realised that Joe had indeed slowed them down, and allowed his brothers and the posse to not only catch up, but to get in front of them. They were surrounded, but David made one last attempt at freedom. He dived at the prostrate Joe, with the intention of using him as a shield. But he wasn\u2019t quick enough. Adam\u2019s bullet hit him high in the back of the shoulder, knocking him to the ground. The next thing he knew, he was being arrested by the sheriff.<\/p>\n

Kneeling next to Joe, Adam and Hoss released him from his bonds, wincing at the damage done to his wrists. Gently, they turned him over, and Adam supported his head and shoulders as Hoss trickled water into his mouth. Joe mumbled something they couldn\u2019t catch. Adam handed Hoss the bandanna he wore, and Hoss used it to wipe the dried blood and dirt from his younger brother\u2019s face. After a few minutes, Joe revived.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe? Can you hear me?\u201d Adam asked, anxiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Joe whispered. \u201cThat you?\u201d His eyes opened and he squinted at his brother. Tears suddenly formed in his eyes, and ran, unheeded, down his face. \u201cOh, Adam, he shot Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy, Joe, easy,\u201d Adam soothed. \u201cPa\u2019s going to be all right, honestly. He\u2019s at home now, waiting for you.\u201d And it hadn\u2019t been the easiest of tasks, keeping Ben at home, when he discovered that his youngest son was in danger.<\/p>\n

However, getting Joe home proved to be more difficult than they had anticipated. Joe had been without food and water for over 24 hours, and although he was drinking small amounts regularly, he was too weak and dehydrated to ride home. Roy and the posse needed all hands to take the gang back to the city, and they were a horse short. Eventually, Hoss and Adam rigged a rough travois, and Joe was taken home behind their horses. He slept a good deal of the way. It had been dark for several hours by the time they got home.<\/p>\n

Luckily, Paul was still there, having been out to check on Ben, who was running a slight fever. He gave Joe a thorough examination, and bound up his broken ribs, and bandaged his abused wrists. The biggest problem was the dehydration, but that was slowly coming under control. Joe had obviously been concussed, and beaten, but a few days in bed would probably set him right again.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to see Pa,\u201d Joe insisted, weakly. He could still barely support his own weight, but he refused to rest until he had seen for himself that his father was alive and recovering. No reassurances were good enough for him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Paul capitulated. \u201cYou can go. Hoss, Adam, help him.\u201d He knew that Ben would rest more easily when he saw Joe for himself, too.<\/p>\n

Roused from an uneasy doze, Ben could hardly believe his eyes when he saw Joe coming into his room, supported by Adam and Hoss. Joe was pretty beaten up, and he sported a couple of bandages, but he was wearing the most dazzling smile of joy that Ben had ever seen. \u201cPa!\u201d he exclaimed, and there was a world of thankfulness in that one word. \u201cPa, you\u2019re all right! I thought he\u2019d killed you!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Ben whispered. \u201cOh, son, I\u2019m so glad to see you. Are you all right? What did they do to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d Joe replied, and they all laughed, drunk with relief and joy. \u201cWe got the money back, Pa,\u201d he said, as though the money was the thing that Ben had been worrying about.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think that\u2019s enough,\u201d Paul said. \u201cBack to bed with you, young man. You can talk more when you can get through here under your own steam.\u201d<\/p>\n

So it wasn\u2019t until a few, anxious, days later that Ben heard about Joe asking Roy to check into David\u2019s background. \u201cWhy did you do it?\u201d he asked, curious. He had had regular up dates on Joe\u2019s progress towards visiting under his own steam, and as usual, Joe had beaten Paul\u2019s estimate by a day or two. Ben didn\u2019t like to admit, even to himself, how concerned he had been about Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure,\u201d Joe answered. \u201cBut he seemed to know our two new hands far too well for having met them just the day before. I was just suspicious, so I thought I\u2019d check it out first before I did something about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow unlike you, Joe,\u201d Adam commented. \u201cI thought your motto was \u2018Act first and think after\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

Throwing Adam a disgusted look, Joe said, \u201cI didn\u2019t want you mad at me, Adam. David is your cousin, and if I\u2019d come to you, you\u2019d have decked me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Making a wry face, Adam agreed, \u201cYou\u2019re right there. I\u2019m sorry about what happened, to both you and Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIts not your fault, son,\u201d Ben said. \u201cHow were you to know? We were all fooled.\u201d This was something Ben and Adam had discussed several times over the last few days. Adam had been horrified by his cousin\u2019s duplicity, and had felt quite guilty. It had been a relief to Adam to finally admit that he hadn\u2019t really liked David all that much. He looked at Joe, and the younger man smiled at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcept Joe here,\u201d Hoss added. \u201cI guess a little suspicion isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing, sometimes.\u201d He frowned. \u201cMaybe I should be a might more suspicious of you, next time you think up a money making scheme.\u201d<\/p>\n

Immediately, Joe put on an injured look. \u201cNow, Hoss, is that any way to speak to your brother??? Pa, Adam, tell him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laughing, Ben put up his hands. \u201cOh, no, I\u2019m not getting involved in this!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNor me!\u201d Adam exclaimed. \u201cI\u2019ve got work to do.\u201d He made a swift exit, even as Joe continued pleading his case with the warped logic that so confused his brother Hoss, and made Ben wonder if Joe wouldn\u2019t make an excellent politician!<\/p>\n

*****End*****<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/g><\/svg><\/i> \"Loading\"<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 Adam’s cousin appears out of the blue for a family visit. He and Joe don’t take to one another at all. Is Joe right to be so suspicious?<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0\u00a0 (9,210 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":10755,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[16],"class_list":["post-4204","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2670,"today_views":1},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/adam410.jpg?fit=1000%2C691&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":5650,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5650","url_meta":{"origin":4204,"position":0},"title":"Eyes of an Angel (by DanceDiva)","author":"DanceDiva","date":"May 2, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Twelve year old Joe is bitten by a rattlesnake, but things get uglier faster than expected. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K \u00a0(500 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6768,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6768","url_meta":{"origin":4204,"position":1},"title":"A Deadly Day (by rosecartwright)","author":"rosecartwright","date":"November 4, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe is home sick, but things go downhill for this young Cartwright. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (635 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/2-joe.jpg?fit=237%2C221&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":7350,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7350","url_meta":{"origin":4204,"position":2},"title":"Seafarer Blood (by Sibylle)","author":"Sibylle","date":"May 7, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0It\u00b4s a\u00a0brief\u00a0glimpse\u00a0at a time Joe needs his oldest brother to prevent him\u00a0from a big mistake. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K \u00a0WC 600","rel":"","context":"In "Adam \/ Joe"","block_context":{"text":"Adam \/ Joe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1091"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":3828,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3828","url_meta":{"origin":4204,"position":3},"title":"Who Kidnapped Joseph Cartwright? (by lolo1999)","author":"lolo1999","date":"April 26, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Annie, Sarah, and Katie kidnap Little Joe while he's on business. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (875 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":6742,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6742","url_meta":{"origin":4204,"position":4},"title":"Grazed (by Jayne)","author":"Jayne","date":"May 4, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0When Adam finds a slightly injured Joe, they share a strangely special moment. \u00a0A Young Cartwright short story. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ \u00a0WC \u00a0767","rel":"","context":"In "Adam \/ Joe"","block_context":{"text":"Adam \/ Joe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1091"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6756,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6756","url_meta":{"origin":4204,"position":5},"title":"The Crazy Lady (by Jayne)","author":"Jayne","date":"May 4, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe and Hoss scare themselves one night, come to Adam's room and tell him the story of the crazy lady. Prequel\/Young Cartwrights\/Humor \u00a0Rated:\u00a0K+ \u00a0WC \u00a0700","rel":"","context":"In "Brothers"","block_context":{"text":"Brothers","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1009"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4204","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/45"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4204"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4204\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/10755"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4204"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4204"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4204"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}